Tampa Vacation Accident Lawyer
Your vacation to Tampa was supposed to be fun and relaxing, but now you are dealing with the aftermath, injuries, and stress of an accident. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, help is just one phone call away. The highly skilled and trusted Tampa Vacation Accident Attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz have helped hundreds of Tampa Bay residents and visitors navigate the complex process of accident insurance claims.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Darrigo & Diaz today for your FREE initial consultation: 813-774-3145.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
–
Types of Tampa vacation accidents and injuries that we handle
Accidents and slip and falls can happen anywhere, anytime. The experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz specialize in the following types of accident cases that can happen while driving or at a hotel or theme park during your visit to the Tampa area:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls (hotels, stores, theme parks)
- Rental car accidents
- Jet ski and boating accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Injured while on vacation in Tampa?
On this page, we provide important information on what to do next if you are injured in an accident while on vacation in Tampa.
For automobile accidents
- What to do if your accident involves a rental car?
- What to do if your accident involves a ride-share vehicle?
- What next steps should you take?
For slip and falls at hotels or theme parks
- Types of slip and falls
- Who is liable in slip and falls at a hotel or theme park?
- What to do if you are injured at a hotel or theme park?
For jet ski and boating accidents
- Common causes of jet ski and boating accidents
- What to do if you are injured in a jet ski or boating accident in Tampa?
- How long do you have to file a claim after a boating or jet ski accident in Tampa?
–
Why do you need a Tampa Accident Attorney?
If you are involved and injured in an accident in while on vacation in Tampa, the proceedings legally must take place in the same state as the accident—NOT where you currently live. Therefore, you need a Tampa accident attorney.
What can complicate the process even more is if you live outside the United States. For example, if you are visiting Tampa from Canada, you need an attorney with extensive local knowledge and experience with representing individuals who have different types of medical insurance.
–
What to look for when selecting a Tampa Vacation Attorney?
One of the more difficult aspects of hiring a Tampa Vacation Attorney is the fact that you are unfamiliar with the area and the people. You likely don’t know who to turn to or trust. Below, we provide the qualifications to consider when hiring a Tampa Vacation Attorney.
–
Qualifications to consider when hiring a Tampa vacation attorney:
- Board Certification – Not all injury attorneys in Florida are trained equally. Less than 7% of attorneys in the State of Florida are board-certified, and even fewer attorneys in Tampa Bay can claim this distinction.
- Darrigo & Diaz is led by Attorney Nadine Diaz, a Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist. This means she is recognized by the Florida Supreme Court for having advanced legal skills, notable expertise, a stellar legal reputation, and a proven-track record for success.
- Experience – How long has the firm been practicing and representing accident victims? There is no replacement for experience.
- Darrigo & Diaz is one of the most experienced accident firms in Tampa Bay. Founded in 1999, we have more than two decades of experience in representing accident victims.
- Reviews and testimonials – Look at the firm’s reviews on their website and Google to see how past and existing clients rate their service.
- Darrigo & Diaz is known throughout the Tampa Bay area for their exceptional client service, strong legal representation, and ability to get results. To date, we have more than 250 5-star google reviews that you can view here.
- Location – While you can technically hire a lawyer anywhere in Florida, it is best to hire an attorney in the same geographic area as your accident. Look for attorneys who are local to Tampa Bay.
- The senior partners at Darrigo & Diaz—Attorney Ron Darrigo and Attorney Nadine Diaz—are both Tampa Bay natives. In addition, our entire team is locally based. No one knows the Tampa Bay area and laws better than us.
- Firm size – You need a law firm that can give you dedicated support throughout the entire proceedings of your case. This is especially true when dealing with a long-distance case. We recommend hiring a smaller law firm where you won’t just be another number or case.
- At Darrigo & Diaz, we are proud in our ability to offer every client an exceptional support team. You will have a team of attorneys, a dedicated case manager, and additional support to help you collect medical records and handle paperwork.
–
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS
What to do if your Tampa accident involved a rental car?
Accidents involving rental cars tend to more complicated. When you rent a car, you are responsible for any damage or loss to the vehicle. Even if someone else causes the damage, you are personally liable during the rental period. However, any insurance coverage you have can help pay for the damages.
–
What to do if your Tampa accident involved a ride-share vehicle?
Were you injured in an accident involving a ride-share vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft? Ridesharing remains a largely unregulated industry. That’s why we highly suggest contacting an experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney to help you understand your options.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors and must carry auto insurance. To be hired by a rideshare company, drivers are required to provide evidence that they possess at least the Florida minimum for car insurance. The minimum limit required is $10,000 for property damage and $10,000 for personal injury. However, in many cases, Uber drivers do not have adequate insurance to cover passengers in an accident.
While Uber and Lyft advertise the availability of insurance up to $1 million for their drivers to cover bodily injury to passengers, coverage does not always apply. Much like other car accident cases, recovering compensation in a rideshare accident requires proving the negligent party’s liability and establishing damages. Only an experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney has the knowledge and skills needed to investigate evidence, establish liability, stand against the insurance companies, and fight for your right to compensation.
–
What next steps should you take?
If you are injured in a car accident in Tampa while on vacation, you should immediately contact an experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney. Depending on how long ago the accident happened, here are few next steps to take:
1. Take photos.
After an accident—whether it’s a car accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, boating accident, or slip and fall—you should always take photos of the accident scene, damages sustained, and your injuries. Photographic evidence will be important to prove your claim.
2. Keep records of all your bills.
It’s important to keep record of all your medical bills and other costs incurred. This can include bills for having to extend your stay because you or a family member was in the hospital. This can also include bills for medical treatment you received once you returned home.
3. Collect contacts for anyone involved or who witnessed the accident.
While your Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney can help you track down involved parties, it is always a good idea to collect contact information for anyone involved in the accident or who witnessed the accident.
4. Seek medical care.
This is extremely important. In the State of Florida, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to quality for certain medical insurance coverage. If you do not, you may forfeit your right to compensation. Be aware that some accident symptoms do not manifest until days—or even weeks—later. Therefore, even if you feel fine, it is always a good idea to be checked-out by a medical professional.
5. Call a Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney right away.
While few people are excited about the prospect of a lawsuit, the reality is that many accident cases do require the assistance of an experienced law firm. Protect yourself and your rights by contacting a Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney immediately.
While few people are excited about the prospect of a lawsuit, the reality is that many accident cases do require the assistance of an experienced law firm. Protect yourself and your rights by contacting a Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney immediately.
–
SLIP AND FALLS
Slip and falls while on vacation in Tampa
Injuring yourself in a slip and fall accident is one of the quickest ways to ruin your vacation. Spending your time off in a hospital and determining what to do next only complicate the issue.
If you slip or fall anywhere while on vacation in Tampa, there are important steps to take to protect your rights. While this webpage focuses on providing information on what to do if you are injured at a hotel or theme park, Darrigo & Diaz represents accident victims injured in slip and falls at any place of business, including restaurants, bars, convention centers, outlet malls, and grocery stores. If you are injured in a slip and fall while on vacation in Tampa, call our office right away at (813) 437-9077.
–
Who is liable in slip and falls at a hotel or theme park?
Liability in slip and fall accidents at hotels or theme parks typically depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. In general, the liability for a slip and fall accident may fall on one or more of the following parties:
- Property Owner or Operator: The owner or operator of the hotel or theme park has a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests. If the slip and fall was caused by a dangerous condition on the property that they knew about or should have known about (such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or other hazards) and failed to address, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Negligence: To establish liability, it’s often necessary to prove that the property owner or operator was negligent. Negligence means they failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the property. This might involve showing that they knew or should have known about the hazard but did not take appropriate steps to prevent accidents.
- Comparative Negligence: In some cases, the injured person may also be partially responsible for the slip and fall accident due to his or her own actions or negligence. This concept is known as comparative negligence. For example, if you were running in flip flops around the pool deck and slipped and fell, you may be held partially responsible. In such cases, the injured person’s compensation may be reduced based on the degree of fault.
- Assumption of Risk: Some places, especially theme parks, may post warning signs or have policies in place that visitors must follow to enter certain areas or use certain attractions. If a person disregards these warnings or policies and subsequently suffers a slip and fall, the property owner/operator may argue that the individual assumed the risk, which could affect the liability assessment.
Given the complexities of slip and fall cases, the best thing you can do if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall while on vacation in Tampa is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your case and determine your legal options.
What to do if you are injured at a hotel or theme park?
–
If you slip and fall at a hotel or theme park in Tampa, it’s important to take specific steps to protect your well-being, gather evidence, and potentially pursue a legal claim if the circumstances warrant it. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Seek medical attention.
Your immediate priority should be your health and safety. If you are injured, seek medical attention promptly. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to be evaluated by a medical professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It will also be key in proving your accident-related injuries.
2. Report the incident.
Inform the hotel or theme park staff about the accident as soon as possible. Request that they document the incident and create an incident report. Be sure to get a copy of this report for your records.
3. Document the scene.
If you are physically able to do so, take photos or videos of the area where the slip and fall occurred, including any hazards or conditions that contributed to the accident. Make sure to capture any wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other potential causes. If available, get the name and contacts for anyone who witnessed the incident. Also, make note of whether or not there is security cameras. While the hotel or theme park may not willingly hand over the footage, your attorney can pursue this on your behalf.
4. Don’t admit fault.
This is crucial. Avoid making any statements that might be construed as admitting fault or liability. Stick to the facts when reporting the incident.
5. Call a Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney right away.
If you believe that the property owner or operator’s negligence contributed to your slip and fall and resulted in injuries, contact an experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney right away. They can help assess your case, determine liability, and guide you through the legal process if you decide to pursue a claim.
–
JET SKI AND BOATING ACCIDENTS
Jet ski and boating accidents in Tampa
One of the most popular vacation activities in Tampa Bay is boating and jet skiing. With its vast waterfronts, from the beauties of Clearwater Beach to the unique barrier islands such as Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park, Tampa Bay is a boating paradise. However, the popularity of boating on Tampa Bay waterways also means a heightened chance of being involved in a boating accident. When we refer to “boating accidents,” we mean any accident in any type of watercraft in which a serious injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. Below, we provide valuable information on the common causes of jet ski and boating accidents, what to do if you are injured, and timelines for filing a claim.
–
Common causes of jet ski and boating accidents
Common causes of jet ski and boating accidents in Tampa Bay vary. It is the responsibility of boat owners, operators and passengers to be well-informed and to exercise good judgment to keep themselves safe on the water. Therefore, if you are injured in a jet ski or boating accident in Tampa, our Tampa Vacation Accident Attorneys will look at all the factors of the case to determine if someone’s negligence contributed to the incident. For example, if you rent a jet ski and the rental company failed to provide you with safe equipment, they can be held liable for any accident that occurs. Similarly, if you are on a boat cruise, and the captain is driving recklessly and causes an accident, the captain and boat company can be held liable. Here are the most common causes of jet ski and boating accidents in Tampa Bay.
- Operator Inexperience: Many accidents occur when operators lack the necessary experience or training to handle a watercraft properly. Inexperienced individuals may not know how to navigate safely, react to changing conditions, or understand the rules of the water.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents. High speeds reduce reaction time and make it difficult to avoid obstacles, other vessels, or swimmers in the water.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Operating a boat or jet ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reckless or Careless Operation: Actions such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or performing dangerous stunts can lead to collisions or capsizing.
- Distracted Driving: Using a smartphone, GPS, or other distractions while operating a watercraft can divert the operator’s attention from the surroundings and increase the risk of accidents.
- Equipment Failure: Mechanical failures, such as engine problems or equipment malfunctions, can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and safety checks are essential to prevent these issues.
- Weather and Water Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or fog can reduce visibility and make navigation difficult. Rough water conditions can also increase the risk of capsizing.
- Collisions: Collisions with other boats, watercraft, or stationary objects like docks, buoys, or rocks are common causes of accidents.
- Lack of Safety Gear: Not having or wearing proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, can be a critical factor in accidents, especially in cases of capsizing or falling overboard.
–
What to do if you are injured in a jet ski or boating accident in Tampa?
If you are injured in a jet ski or boating accident in Tampa, it’s essential to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek medical attention.
Your health and safety is your top priority. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or the nearest emergency services for immediate medical assistance. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Having documentation of medical care is also critical for proving the accident caused your injuries.
2. Report the incident.
Florida law requires that jet ski or boating accidents resulting in injuries, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the local sheriff’s office within 10 days. You can file a report online through the FWC’s website or by contacting law enforcement.
3. Document the scene and your injuries.
Collect information about the accident, including the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, including witnesses. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, damages, and injuries, if possible. It is also advised to take photo or videos of your injuries if you are able.
4. Be cautious with statements.
Be careful when discussing the accident with other parties or on social media. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that may be used against you later.
5. Call a Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney right away.
If you suffered injuries and believe the jet ski or boating accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact an experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorney right away. An attorney will help protect your legal rights, gather evidence, and navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your injuries.
–
How long do you have to file a claim after a boating or jet ski accident in Tampa?
Florida has a statue of limitations for filing claims after a boating or jet ski accident. Currently, there is a four-year statute of limitations for jet ski or boating claims. However, you must speak to an attorney to determine when the statute ends, as your circumstance may actually have a shorter timeline.
–
Injured in an accident while on vacation in Tampa?
Call the Tampa Vacation Accident Attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz at at 813-774-3145
If you are injured in an accident while on vacation in Tampa, you should contact Darrigo & Diaz immediately. We are experienced automobile accident and slip and fall attorneys and we’ve dealt with many insurance companies and their adjusters. We will protect your rights. Our expertise ensures that our clients receive fair and just compensation.
In addition, we will do everything in our power to make our long-distance representation as easy as possible for you. For example, we can conduct meetings virtually and over the phone. We can even fly to you to meet with you in person or conduct your mediations.
Take the first step. We offer free consultations and you do not have to pay anything unless we win your case.
Call 813-774-3tel:813-774-3145 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with our experienced Tampa Vacation Accident Attorneys.
